'Ugly' Kenya Olympics Kit Angers Kenyans

The National Olympic Committee of Kenya (Nock) on Thursday, February 6, unveiled the official kit to be used by Kenyan athletes taking part in the 2020 Olympics in Tokyo, Japan.

Designed by Nike, the kit features a conspicuous honeycomb pattern, a break from iconic past kits which simply laid out the red, black and green colors of the flag.

The official kit includes Team Kenya running tops, armbands, shorts, track pants and hoodies.

Kenyans' reactions to the new kit were mixed, but, judging from online responses, many were not impressed.

Official Team Kenya running top for the 2020 Olympics

"Miss, what's with the fit? He'd run/look better in a store bought kit," wrote one Benedictiō Lé Mūnus.

"The good part is that we will win with that ugly kit!" shared Moses Festo Dembele.

"What's this now?..the designer must have been asleep. Who does it represent now?" posed Caroline Gichuru.

"Miss. I hope it won't interfere with their performance," wrote Kipkeleny Tulwo.

Other netizens, however, appreciated the design which they perceived as fresh and stunning.

"Love it! Modern. Vibrant. Stands out," Kamal Kaur wrote on Twitter.

"Hit...its unique and different," Kelvin Musyimi shared.

"This kit is tops. Looks great when tight," Teddy Kalya argued.

Another section of Kenyans, however, remained indifferent as they exuded confidence that Kenya would dominate the global showpiece and bring home the medals as has been the norm.

According to Nock, the official launch for the kit will take place in April in Nairobi.

Among those who will lead Kenya's hunt for gold are world marathon record holder Eliud Kipchoge and Brigid Koskei.

The games are slated to take place between July 24 and August 9, 2020.

Official Team Kenya hoodie for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics unveiled on Wednesday, February 6

Official Team Kenya track pants for the 2020 Olympics unveiled on Wednesday, January 6

An athlete models the new Team Kenya kit for the Tokyo 2020 Olympics on Wednesday, January 6

Sample Nike-designed Olympic kits for other countries including the United States and Brazil below: 

The official Tokyo 2020 Olympics kit for the United States

 

The official Tokyo 2020 Olympics kit for Brazil

The official Tokyo 2020 Olympics kit for Canada